Bird flu detected in Merri-bek

07 Oct 2026

Previously published 26 August 2026

Victorian Government has advised that H5 bird flu was detected in Merri-bek.

The disease was detected in a single Greater Crested Tern – a large coastal sea bird – at a private property in Oak Park.

To date, detections in Victoria remain limited to wild birds, with no cases reported in poultry or agricultural settings.

The risk of bird flu to people in Australia remains low. Bird flu is not considered a food safety risk for chicken meat or eggs when they are handled and cooked correctly.

Please do not feed wild birds in public spaces or your backyard. Food stations cause birds to crowd closely together, which helps the deadly virus spread rapidly.

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The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) is leading the response to H5 bird flu in Victoria. As information can change quickly, we recommend visiting the Agriculture Victoria website for the latest updates, maps and advice.

Visit the Agriculture Victoria H5 bird flu website.

What you should do

If you see sick or dead birds or wildlife:

  • Do not touch, handle or move them.
  • Keep children and pets away from the area.
  • Avoid contact with bird droppings and contaminated environments.
  • Record the location and the number of animals affected.

Although many people want to help wildlife in distress, reducing human interaction with sick birds helps minimise stress on the animal and reduces the risk of disease spread.

Report what you see through Agriculture Victoria’s online reporting form.

Please report:

  • clusters of 5 or more sick or dead wild birds of any species
  • a single sick or dead seabird, waterbird, shorebird or bird of prey
  • a single sick or dead marine mammal, such as a seal or dolphin.

If you need to report sick or dead poultry or livestock, call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 immediately.

Advice for pet owners

When visiting beaches, parks and other outdoor areas:

  • Keep dogs on a lead.
  • Stop pets from approaching, scavenging or eating dead birds or wildlife.
  • Wash your hands after outdoor activities, especially if you may have come into contact with bird droppings.

Advice for backyard poultry owners

Poultry owners should take steps to reduce contact between domestic birds and wild birds. This includes protecting feed and water sources and maintaining good biosecurity practices. Agriculture Victoria provides the latest guidance for poultry owners and any current requirements on the website.

Stay informed

For the most up-to-date information, reporting requirements and detection maps, visit the Agriculture Victoria website.

Visit the Agriculture Victoria H5 bird flu website.

Because the situation can change, the Agriculture Victoria website should be your primary source of information and advice.

Please note: The image associated with this news item is a generic outdoor space, and not the location where the case was found.